Build a professional network for life!

Landscape Illinois committee involvement is the best way to augment your membership. Membership, in any organization, requires both give and take. By participating on a committee, you match your special interests and talents to a Landscape Illinois program or initiative.

All committee members are approved by the committee chair

Volunteers are asked to serve for at least two years

There are usually 4-10 meetings per year depending on the committee

Landscape Illinois has three meeting formats:

In-person: The preferred meeting format is in-person, but a virtual option is available
Hybrid: Attendees have the choice to attend in person or virtually
Virtual: There is no in-person option and all attendees will be virtual

Committees, Goals, and Chairs

Awards

  • Goal: To present an Awards Program that recognizes and celebrates the skills and achievements of professionals within the Landscape Illinois community.
  • Time Commitment: 2-3 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at the annual Awards Banquet.
  • Chair: Brian Jordison, James Martin Associates; Associate Chair: Becca LaBarre, Platt Hill Nursery

Design (Must be a landscape designer or LA)

  • Goal: To promote design and elevate the landscape community through teaching, inspiration, and opportunities for networking.
  • Time Commitment: 7 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at Design Committee events.
  • Chairs: Jason Lundberg, Bruss Landscaping and Josh Griffin, Hursthouse, Inc.

Education

  • Goal: To enhance the professionalism and expertise of members by curating world-class education at iLandscape.
  • Time Commitment: 8 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at iLandscape.
  • Chair: Mandy Leifheit-Komes, Midwest Groundcovers; Associate Chair: Greg Johnston, McAdam Landscape Professionals

Experience

  • Goal: Oversee all aspects of iLandscape: The Illinois + Wisconsin Landscape Show not related to other committees. These include the overall flow and schedule, exhibit space, keynote speakers and plenary events on the show floor, marketing and promotion, receptions and entertainment, press and media relations, aesthetics, and decor.
  • Time Commitment: 7 meetings per year, plus (1) Sub-Committee Chair meeting. Mandatory attendance at iLandscape (5 days, 4 nights).
  • Chair: Jamie Heflin, Midwest Groundcovers; Associate Chair: Katrina House, Xylem Rocks, Ltd.

Fire & Ice

  • Goal: To provide an outdoor trade show that includes networking, education and demonstrations for Landscape Illinois members and other landscape and snow professionals, in order to generate revenue.
  • Time Commitment: 4 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at Fire & Ice (3 days).
  • Chairs: John Downing, Casey Equipment and Anna Blankenhagen, Midwest Groundcovers

Future Landscape Industry Professionals (FLIP)

  • Goal: To provide information that inspires individuals to pursue professional careers within the landscape industry.
  • Time Commitment: 5-7 meetings per year. Attends programs/networking opportunities that appeal to those new to the industry. Reviews scholarships annually.
  • Co-Chairs: Ryan Cooper, Landscape Material & Firewood Sales and Alex Kiscellus, Doty Nurseries

Golf Outing

  • Goal: To conduct social events for the membership that provide networking opportunities and non-dues income.
  • Time Commitment: 3 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at the Golf Outing.
  • Chair: Cameron McCauley, Midwest Groundcovers; Associate Chair: Jimmy Manno, SiteOne Landscape Supply

Growers

  • Goal: To promote professionalism, share best practices, and develop education and networking opportunities that strengthen the ornamental nursery trade.
  • Time Commitment: 6 meetings per year. Attendance at the Fall Growers Tour is strongly encouraged.
  • Chair: John Worth, Kankakee Nursery Co.; Associate Chair: Jamie Thomas, Spring Grove Nursery

InVigorateU

  • Goal: To plan and execute the annual InVigorateU conference, focused primarily on plants/horticulture, design and other related disciplines. This includes developing a complete education program, securing exhibitors and sponsors, assisting with event marketing and promotion, and consulting on the networking and social elements of the event.
  • Time Commitment: 6 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at InVigorateU.
  • Chair: Pete Worth, Kankakee Nursery Co.; Associate Chair: Meagan Provencher, Wasco Nursery & Garden Center

Irrigation

  • Goal: To promote professional irrigation best practices and regulatory compliance through education and resource development while growing a stronger membership base.
  • Time Commitment: 8 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at iLandscape Irrigation Workshops.
  • Chair: Brett Gold, American National Sprinkler and Lighting; Associate Chair: Michael Martin, Muellermist Irrigation

Latino Relations and Technical Skills

  • Goal: To offer programs that improve the education, skills, and experience of Latino and non-Latino members and their employees through engaging programs. Oversee the marketing and promotion of onsite experiences for Spanish speakers to improve the performance of a bilingual landscape workforce. Improve the professional culture of multilingual team collaboration.
  • Time Commitment: 7 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at Field Staff Skills Training.
  • Chairs: Eduardo Tapia, Ryco Landscaping; Jose Trenado, Kane County Landscape Materials and Supply; Terry Holum, Sebert; and Debbie Bartsch, Chalet

Magazine

  • Goal: To educate and inform readers on current industry topics and present information on the Association’s activities, goals, programs, and members.
  • Time Commitment: 2 meetings per year.
  • Chair: Jeff True, Hursthouse, Inc.

Membership

  • Goal: To ensure the strength and vitality of Landscape Illinois through coordinated membership recruitment and retention programs.
  • Time Commitment: 6 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at the Annual Party and iLandscape.
  • Chair: Billy Oliver, Night Light; Associate Chair: Garth Sager, Chalet

Owners and Senior Managers Group

  • Goal: For owners and senior leadership to promote professional development, share industry experiences, and advance best practices with one another.
  • Time Commitment: 4 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at any Owners and Senior Managers events.
  • Chair: Scott McAdam, Jr., McAdam Landscape Professionals; Associate Chair: Anthony Smith, American Gardens

Regulatory and Legislative

  • Goal: Review, analyze, and act on legislative and regulatory policy to determine its impact on the association, its members, and the green industry.
  • Time Commitment: 2 face-to-face meetings per year, 30 minute Monday morning conference calls for the duration of the legislative session.
  • Chair: Dan Migacz, A.M. Woodland Outdoor Design; Associate Chair: John Fisher, Alera Group

Spring Training

  • Goal: To plan and execute the annual Central Region Spring Training event, which offers education for crew members, owners, and managers; while also highlighting the latest products, equipment, and services offered, featuring regional and national suppliers.
  • Time Commitment: 6 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at Spring Training.
  • Chairs: Lauren Howell, Stuber Land Design and Samuel Cottrell, Stoneleaf Nursery

Sustainable and Ecological Landscape

  • Goal: To develop programs and initiatives that educate and inform the green industry on sustainable landscaping practices.
  • Time Commitment: 9 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at Impact.
  • Chair: Brandon Losey, Alluvium Landscapes; Associate Chair: Angela Bowman, Yellowstone Landscape

Turf

  • Goal: To promote lawn care professionalism, best practices, and regulatory compliance through education, advocacy, and resource development.
  • Time Commitment: 8 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at Turf Education Day (TED).
  • Chair: Brandon Burns, Weedman; Associate Chair: Josh Murray, ConservFS

Women’s Network

  • Goal: We are a Network dedicated to building meaningful connections, fostering leadership, and creating opportunities for women in the green industry.
  • Time Commitment: 8 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at Women’s Networking Group events.
  • Chairs: Brenda Ward, Beary Landscaping; Associate Chair: Carrie Hancock, JMR Landscaping

Young Professionals (Must be 35 or under)

  • Goal: To connect Landscape Illinois members 35 and under by creating opportunities to share knowledge and industry experiences and develop leadership skills while strengthening professional image.
  • Time Commitment: 6 meetings per year. Mandatory attendance at Young Professionals’ events.
  • Chair: Meghan Kohlmann, Midwest Groundcovers; Associate Chair: Cemantha DiCristo, Lurvey Landscape Supply

Interested in joining a committee?